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Total Categories: 6
The United States Geological Survey's scientific work is exclusively focused on the geological aspects of the United States.
Answer: False
The USGS's scientific work encompasses biology, geography, geology, and hydrology, and extends to creating maps of planets and moons, indicating a broader scope than just U.S. geological aspects.
The United States Geological Survey was founded on March 3, 1879, under its current name.
Answer: False
While founded on March 3, 1879, the agency was initially known simply as the Geological Survey, not its current full name.
The USGS is the only scientific agency operating within the U.S. Department of the Interior.
Answer: True
The USGS holds a unique position as the sole scientific agency within the U.S. Department of the Interior, exclusively dedicated to scientific research and data gathering.
The USGS holds regulatory authority over certain environmental policies due to its scientific expertise.
Answer: False
The USGS is explicitly a fact-finding research organization and does not possess regulatory responsibility or authority to create or enforce laws or policies.
The main headquarters of the USGS is located at the Denver Federal Center in Lakewood, Colorado.
Answer: False
The USGS is headquartered at the John W. Powell National Center in Reston, Virginia, although it does maintain a major office at the Denver Federal Center.
In 2009, the USGS employed approximately 8,670 people.
Answer: True
According to the provided information, the United States Geological Survey employed approximately 8,670 individuals in 2009.
The current motto of the USGS, "science for a changing world," was adopted on its hundredth anniversary.
Answer: False
The current motto, "science for a changing world," was adopted in August 1997. The previous slogan, "Earth Science in the Public Service," was adopted on its hundredth anniversary.
Since 2012, the USGS's scientific focus has been organized into static "Mission Areas" that do not change.
Answer: False
Since 2012, the USGS's scientific focus has been organized into topical "Mission Areas" that have continuously evolved, rather than remaining static.
The USGS regional organization aligns with the U.S. Department of the Interior's Unified Interior Regions.
Answer: True
The USGS regional organization is structured to align with the U.S. Department of the Interior's Unified Interior Regions, ensuring coordinated efforts across governmental structures.
The establishment of a federal survey agency in 1879 was primarily driven by the need to manage existing federal lands.
Answer: False
The establishment of a federal survey agency in 1879 was primarily driven by the need to inventory the vast lands acquired through the Louisiana Purchase and the Mexican-American War, rather than solely managing existing federal lands.
The new federal survey agency authorized on March 3, 1879, was mandated to classify public lands and examine geological structure and mineral resources.
Answer: True
The mandate given to the new federal survey agency upon its authorization on March 3, 1879, included the classification of public lands and the examination of geological structure and mineral resources.
The King, Powell, and Wheeler surveys were consolidated and continued under the new USGS agency.
Answer: False
Upon the creation of the USGS, the Hayden, Powell, and Wheeler surveys were discontinued, not consolidated and continued.
Which of the following is NOT a primary scientific discipline encompassed by the United States Geological Survey's work?
Answer: Archaeology
The USGS's work encompasses biology, geography, geology, and hydrology, but not archaeology, as stated in its primary mission and scope.
When was the United States Geological Survey founded?
Answer: March 3, 1879
The United States Geological Survey was founded on March 3, 1879.
What is the unique relationship between the USGS and the U.S. Department of the Interior?
Answer: It is the sole scientific agency within the department.
The USGS is unique within the U.S. Department of the Interior as its sole scientific agency, dedicated exclusively to research and data gathering.
Which of the following statements accurately describes the regulatory authority of the USGS?
Answer: It is a fact-finding research organization with no regulatory responsibility.
The USGS functions as a fact-finding research organization and explicitly holds no regulatory responsibility or authority to enforce laws or policies.
Where is the main headquarters of the USGS located?
Answer: Reston, Virginia
The main headquarters of the USGS is located at the John W. Powell National Center in Reston, Virginia.
Approximately how many individuals were employed by the USGS in 2009?
Answer: 8,670
In 2009, the United States Geological Survey employed approximately 8,670 individuals.
What is the current motto of the USGS, adopted in August 1997?
Answer: Science for a Changing World
The current motto of the USGS, adopted in August 1997, is "science for a changing world."
When was the previous slogan, "Earth Science in the Public Service," adopted by the USGS?
Answer: On its hundredth anniversary
The previous slogan, "Earth Science in the Public Service," was adopted by the USGS on its hundredth anniversary.
How has the scientific focus of the USGS been organized since 2012?
Answer: By continuously evolving topical "Mission Areas."
Since 2012, the USGS has organized its scientific focus into continuously evolving topical "Mission Areas" to address high-priority scientific challenges.
The USGS regional organization aligns with which broader governmental structure?
Answer: The U.S. Department of the Interior's Unified Interior Regions.
The USGS regional organization is structured to align with the U.S. Department of the Interior's Unified Interior Regions, ensuring consistency across the department.
What historical event contributed to the need for a federal survey agency, as identified in reports leading to the USGS's establishment?
Answer: The Louisiana Purchase and Mexican-American War.
The need to inventory vast lands acquired through the Louisiana Purchase and the Mexican-American War contributed to the establishment of a federal survey agency in 1879.
What specific mandate was given to the new federal survey agency when it was authorized on March 3, 1879?
Answer: To classify public lands and examine geological structure and mineral resources.
The new federal survey agency was mandated to classify public lands and examine the geological structure and mineral resources of the national domain.
Which existing geological surveys were terminated upon the creation of the USGS?
Answer: The Hayden, Powell, and Wheeler surveys.
Upon the authorization of the USGS, the Hayden, Powell, and Wheeler surveys were discontinued.
Who served as the first director of the USGS?
Answer: Clarence King
Clarence King was the first director of the USGS, serving for two years before being succeeded by John Wesley Powell.
What was the previous slogan of the USGS, adopted on its hundredth anniversary?
Answer: Earth Science in the Public Service
The previous slogan of the USGS, adopted on its hundredth anniversary, was "Earth Science in the Public Service."
The Earthquake Hazards Program is responsible for monitoring earthquake activity globally and archiving data for research.
Answer: True
The Earthquake Hazards Program monitors global earthquake activity, detects locations and magnitudes, informs the public, and archives data for research, including long-term seismic hazard forecasts.
The National Earthquake Information Center (NEIC) is located in Reston, Virginia, at the USGS headquarters.
Answer: False
The National Earthquake Information Center (NEIC) is located in Golden, Colorado, on the campus of the Colorado School of Mines, not at the USGS headquarters in Reston, Virginia.
As of 2005, the National Volcano Early Warning System aimed to improve monitoring for all volcanoes globally.
Answer: False
As of 2005, the National Volcano Early Warning System's objective was to improve instrumentation monitoring the 169 volcanoes within U.S. territory, not all volcanoes globally.
The Cascades Volcano Observatory covers volcanic activity in Idaho, Oregon, and Washington.
Answer: True
The Cascades Volcano Observatory is one of the five USGS volcano observatories and is responsible for monitoring volcanic activity in Idaho, Oregon, and Washington.
The Volcano Disaster Assistance Program is based out of the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory and provides aid to U.S. territories.
Answer: False
The Volcano Disaster Assistance Program is based out of the Cascades Volcano Observatory and provides aid to developing countries experiencing volcanic eruptions, not specifically U.S. territories.
ShakeMaps are static images showing historical earthquake ground shaking.
Answer: False
ShakeMaps are interactive tools that allow users to visually observe the distribution and severity of ground shaking from earthquakes, and the USGS is exploring ways to construct them more rapidly using real-time input.
Which of the following is a primary responsibility of the Earthquake Hazards Program?
Answer: Monitoring earthquake activity worldwide and informing the public.
A primary responsibility of the Earthquake Hazards Program is to monitor earthquake activity globally, detect events, and inform authorities, emergency responders, media, and the public.
Where is the National Earthquake Information Center (NEIC) located?
Answer: Golden, Colorado
The National Earthquake Information Center (NEIC) is located in Golden, Colorado, on the campus of the Colorado School of Mines.
What was the objective of the National Volcano Early Warning System as of 2005?
Answer: To improve instrumentation monitoring U.S. territory volcanoes and standardize threat assessment.
As of 2005, the National Volcano Early Warning System aimed to improve instrumentation monitoring U.S. territory volcanoes and develop standardized methods for assessing volcanic threats.
Which USGS volcano observatory covers Idaho, Oregon, and Washington?
Answer: Cascades Volcano Observatory
The Cascades Volcano Observatory is responsible for covering volcanic activity in Idaho, Oregon, and Washington.
The Volcano Disaster Assistance Program, based out of the Cascades Volcano Observatory, provides aid to whom?
Answer: Developing countries experiencing volcanic eruptions.
The Volcano Disaster Assistance Program, based at the Cascades Volcano Observatory, provides aid to developing countries experiencing volcanic eruptions.
The USGS streamgauging network in the United States includes over 7,400 stream gauges.
Answer: True
The USGS operates an extensive streamgauging network across the United States, comprising over 7,400 stream gauges that provide real-time streamflow data.
USGS water data is only accessible to government agencies and researchers.
Answer: False
USGS water data is made publicly available through their National Water Information System database, allowing access for researchers, policymakers, and the general public.
The Water Resources Research Institute (WRRI) program established a single national institute for water resources.
Answer: False
The Water Resources Research Act of 1984 established a Water Resources Research Institute (WRRI) in each state and territory, which collectively form the National Institutes for Water Resources (NIWR), rather than a single national institute.
The Climate Adaptation Science Centers (CASCs) are primarily focused on developing new energy sources to combat climate change.
Answer: False
The primary function of the Climate Adaptation Science Centers (CASCs) is to help fish, wildlife, waters, and lands adapt to the impacts of climate change, not to develop new energy sources.
The National CASC (NCASC) is based at USGS headquarters in Reston, Virginia.
Answer: True
The National CASC (NCASC) office, which serves as the national office for the CASC network, is indeed based at USGS headquarters in Reston, Virginia.
How many stream gauges does the USGS operate in its streamgauging network for the United States?
Answer: Over 7,400
The USGS operates an extensive streamgauging network in the United States, which includes over 7,400 stream gauges.
Besides its streamgauging network, which two other water-related programs does the USGS manage?
Answer: National Streamflow Information Program and National Water-Quality Assessment Program.
In addition to its streamgauging network, the USGS manages the National Streamflow Information Program and the National Water-Quality Assessment Program.
Through which database is USGS water data made publicly available?
Answer: The National Water Information System database.
USGS water data is made publicly available through the National Water Information System database.
The Water Resources Research Institute (WRRI) program was established by which act?
Answer: The Water Resources Research Act of 1984.
The Water Resources Research Institute (WRRI) program was established as part of the Water Resources Research Act of 1984.
What is the primary function of the Climate Adaptation Science Centers (CASCs)?
Answer: To help fish, wildlife, waters, and lands adapt to climate change impacts.
The primary function of the Climate Adaptation Science Centers (CASCs) is to assist fish, wildlife, waters, and lands in adapting to the impacts of climate change.
Where is the National CASC (NCASC) office, which serves as the national office for the CASC network, located?
Answer: Reston, Virginia
The National CASC (NCASC) office, which coordinates the CASC network, is located at USGS headquarters in Reston, Virginia.
What other water-related programs does the USGS manage besides its streamgauging network?
Answer: National Streamflow Information Program and National Water-Quality Assessment Program.
In addition to its streamgauging network, the USGS manages the National Streamflow Information Program and the National Water-Quality Assessment Program.
The North American Environmental Atlas is a collaborative effort involving the USGS and scientists from Canada and Mexico.
Answer: True
The North American Environmental Atlas is produced through a collaborative effort between the USGS, Canadian and Mexican government scientists, and the Commission for Environmental Cooperation.
The largest and best-known topographic series produced by the USGS is the 7.5-minute, 1:24,000 scale, quadrangle map.
Answer: True
The 7.5-minute, 1:24,000 scale, quadrangle map is indeed the largest and most recognized topographic series produced by the USGS, widely used for detailed mapping.
The 7.5-minute topographic series covers only the 48 contiguous states of the U.S.
Answer: False
The 7.5-minute series covers the 48 contiguous states, Hawaii, U.S. territories, and specific areas of Alaska, not just the contiguous states.
The geographical area covered by a 7.5-minute quadrangle map remains constant regardless of its latitude.
Answer: False
The geographical area covered by a 7.5-minute quadrangle map varies with latitude due to the convergence of meridians, covering less area at higher latitudes.
A specialized romer scale is required for accurately plotting map positions on the 1:24,000 scale topographic maps.
Answer: True
Due to its unique non-metric nature, the 1:24,000 scale requires a specialized romer scale for precise plotting of map positions.
The last USGS paper topographic maps were published in 2019, when they were replaced by "The National Map."
Answer: False
The last USGS paper topographic maps were published in 2006, and they were replaced by "The National Map" in 2019.
The 15-minute series, at a scale of 1:62,500, was an older topographic map series for the contiguous 48 states.
Answer: True
The 15-minute series, with a scale of 1:62,500, was an older topographic map series that covered the contiguous 48 states before its discontinuation.
Alaska's topographic mapping was updated to a 1:25,000 scale in 2017, replacing the 15-minute series.
Answer: True
In 2017, Alaska's topographic mapping was updated to a more detailed 1:25,000 scale, replacing the older 15-minute series for 97% of the state.
The 1:250,000 scale topographic series was initially produced by the USGS in the 1950s.
Answer: False
The 1:250,000 scale topographic series was initially produced by the U.S. Army Map Service in the 1950s, not the USGS.
Locations on USGS topographic maps can be identified using graticule measurements, the Public Land Survey System, and Cartesian coordinates.
Answer: True
USGS topographic maps allow for location identification through graticule measurements of longitude and latitude, the township and section method of the Public Land Survey System, and Cartesian coordinates in various systems.
The USGS only produces general topographic maps and does not create specialized maps for specific interest areas.
Answer: False
The USGS produces a variety of specialty maps, including county maps, maps of national parks, and maps focusing on specific scientific interest areas, in addition to general topographic maps.
Georeferenced map images from the USGS are available as digital raster graphics (DRGs).
Answer: True
Georeferenced map images from the USGS are indeed available in digital raster graphics (DRGs) format, alongside other digital data sets like DLGs and DEMs.
The topoView website, launched in 2015, provides access to the USGS's entire digitized collection of maps published between 1884 and 2006.
Answer: True
The topoView website, launched in 2015, offers users the ability to view and download the USGS's complete digitized map collection, encompassing over 178,000 maps published from 1884 to 2006.
In 2008, the USGS began relying more on traditional aerial photography and field checks for updating topographic maps.
Answer: False
In 2008, the USGS discontinued traditional methods of updating topographic maps, shifting instead to automated and semi-automated processes using the National GIS Database.
The revised digital U.S. Topo maps are widely praised for their enhanced accuracy and comprehensive detail compared to older versions.
Answer: False
The revised digital U.S. Topo maps have faced criticism for lacking the accuracy and detail of older maps, with issues including data integration problems and the omission of many human-made features.
Who are the collaborators in producing the North American Environmental Atlas?
Answer: The USGS, Canadian and Mexican government scientists, and the Commission for Environmental Cooperation.
The North American Environmental Atlas is a collaborative effort involving the USGS, Canadian and Mexican government scientists, and the Commission for Environmental Cooperation.
What is the primary utility of the North American Environmental Atlas?
Answer: To illustrate and monitor environmental issues from a continental perspective.
The primary utility of the North American Environmental Atlas is to illustrate and monitor environmental issues from a continental perspective, providing a comprehensive view of ecological trends.
What is the most common and well-known series of topographic maps produced by the USGS?
Answer: The 7.5-minute, 1:24,000 scale, quadrangle map.
The 7.5-minute, 1:24,000 scale, quadrangle map is the most common and well-known topographic map series produced by the USGS.
How does the geographical area covered by a 7.5-minute quadrangle map change with latitude?
Answer: It varies with latitude, covering less area at higher latitudes.
The geographical area covered by a 7.5-minute quadrangle map varies with latitude, specifically covering less area at higher latitudes due to the convergence of meridians.
What specialized tool is necessary for plotting map positions on the 1:24,000 scale topographic maps?
Answer: A specialized romer scale.
A specialized romer scale is necessary for accurately plotting map positions on the unique non-metric 1:24,000 scale topographic maps.
When did the USGS cease publishing paper topographic maps?
Answer: 2006
The USGS ceased publishing paper topographic maps in 2006.
What was the scale of the older 15-minute series of topographic maps used for the contiguous 48 states?
Answer: 1:62,500
The older 15-minute series of topographic maps for the contiguous 48 states had a scale of 1:62,500.
What scale replaced the 15-minute series for Alaska's topographic mapping in 2017?
Answer: 1:25,000
In 2017, the 15-minute series for Alaska's topographic mapping was replaced by maps at a 1:25,000 scale.
Which agency initially produced the 1:250,000 scale topographic series?
Answer: The U.S. Army Map Service
The 1:250,000 scale topographic series was initially produced by the U.S. Army Map Service in the 1950s.
Which of the following is NOT a method used to identify locations on USGS topographic quadrangle maps?
Answer: Astronomical observations using celestial bodies.
Locations on USGS topographic maps can be identified using graticule measurements, the Public Land Survey System, and Cartesian coordinates, but not astronomical observations using celestial bodies.
In what digital format are georeferenced map images available from the USGS?
Answer: Digital Raster Graphics (DRGs)
Georeferenced map images from the USGS are available as digital raster graphics (DRGs), among other digital data sets.
What functionality does the topoView website, launched in 2015, offer users?
Answer: To view and download the USGS's entire digitized map collection from 1884-2006.
The topoView website, launched in 2015, allows users to view and download the USGS's complete digitized map collection, encompassing over 178,000 maps published from 1884 to 2006.
How did the USGS's approach to updating topographic maps change in 2008?
Answer: They adopted automated and semi-automated processes using the National GIS Database.
In 2008, the USGS shifted from traditional methods to automated and semi-automated processes for updating topographic maps, utilizing the National GIS Database.
Which of the following is a criticism raised regarding the accuracy and detail of the revised digital U.S. Topo maps?
Answer: They frequently omit human-made features like windmills and railroads.
A criticism of the revised digital U.S. Topo maps is their frequent omission of human-made features such as windmills and railroads, which were present in older, more detailed maps.
The USGS Coastal and Marine Science Center has a site in Santa Cruz, California, that focuses on the Atlantic Ocean.
Answer: False
The Santa Cruz, California site of the USGS Coastal and Marine Science Center is dedicated to the Pacific Ocean, while the Woods Hole, Massachusetts site focuses on the Atlantic Ocean.
The Coastal and Marine Science Center's research includes evaluating hazards like floods, droughts, and climate change impacts.
Answer: True
Among its research objectives, the Coastal and Marine Science Center evaluates hazards such as floods, droughts, hurricanes, and the impacts of climate change.
The National Geomagnetism Program primarily focuses on predicting solar flares.
Answer: False
The National Geomagnetism Program monitors the Earth's magnetic field and disseminates magnetometer data, which is crucial for understanding space weather, but its primary focus is not predicting solar flares.
The Astrogeology Research Program has been involved in global, lunar, and planetary exploration and mapping since 1962.
Answer: True
Since 1962, the Astrogeology Research Program has actively participated in global, lunar, and planetary exploration and mapping, studying the geological features of celestial bodies.
The USGS-Stanford Ion Microprobe Laboratory is used for analyzing the composition of extraterrestrial materials.
Answer: False
The USGS-Stanford Ion Microprobe Laboratory is used for U-(Th)-Pb geochronology and analyzing trace elements in minerals and other earth materials, primarily to determine the age and composition of geological samples, not exclusively extraterrestrial materials.
The National Wildlife Health Center's mission includes disseminating information to promote science-based decisions affecting wildlife and ecosystem health.
Answer: True
A key part of the National Wildlife Health Center's mission is to disseminate information to promote science-based decisions that affect wildlife and ecosystem health.
The National Wildlife Health Center is primarily responsible for the surveillance of H5N1 avian influenza outbreaks in the United States.
Answer: True
The National Wildlife Health Center holds primary responsibility for the surveillance of H5N1 avian influenza outbreaks within the United States.
The USGS Coastal and Marine Science Center site in Woods Hole, Massachusetts, focuses on which body of water?
Answer: The Atlantic Ocean
The USGS Coastal and Marine Science Center site in Woods Hole, Massachusetts, specifically focuses its research on the Atlantic Ocean.
Which of the following is NOT a research objective of the Coastal and Marine Science Center?
Answer: Enforcing fishing regulations.
The Coastal and Marine Science Center's research objectives include mapping geologic frameworks, assessing resources, and evaluating hazards, but not enforcing fishing regulations.
What is the primary function of the National Geomagnetism Program?
Answer: To monitor the Earth's magnetic field and disseminate data.
The primary function of the National Geomagnetism Program is to monitor the Earth's magnetic field at various observatories and disseminate real-time magnetometer data.
Since what year has the Astrogeology Research Program been involved in global, lunar, and planetary exploration and mapping?
Answer: 1962
The Astrogeology Research Program has been involved in global, lunar, and planetary exploration and mapping since 1962.
What is the primary function of the USGS-Stanford Ion Microprobe Laboratory?
Answer: To determine the age and composition of geological samples.
The primary function of the USGS-Stanford Ion Microprobe Laboratory is to determine the age and composition of geological samples through U-(Th)-Pb geochronology and trace element analysis.
For what specific avian health issue is the National Wildlife Health Center primarily responsible for surveillance in the United States?
Answer: H5N1 avian influenza
The National Wildlife Health Center is primarily responsible for the surveillance of H5N1 avian influenza outbreaks in the United States.
The Hydrologic Instrumentation Facility (HIF) is structured into three main sections: Field Services, Testing, and Administrative.
Answer: False
The Hydrologic Instrumentation Facility (HIF) is structured into four sections: Field Services, Testing, Information Technology, and Administrative.
The HIF holds national responsibility for the design, testing, and distribution of hydrologic instrumentation.
Answer: True
The Hydrologic Instrumentation Facility (HIF) has national responsibility for the design, testing, evaluation, repair, calibration, warehousing, and distribution of hydrologic instrumentation.
The Engineering Group within the HIF primarily focuses on repairing existing hydrologic equipment.
Answer: False
The Engineering Group within the HIF is tasked with identifying new technologies and designing instrumentation for greater efficiency, accuracy, or lower production costs, rather than primarily repairing existing equipment.
USGS researchers only publish their final scientific findings in external peer-reviewed journals.
Answer: False
USGS researchers disseminate their scientific findings through both peer-reviewed scientific journals and a range of internal USGS Report Series, covering preliminary results, maps, data, and final research outcomes.
A complete catalog of all USGS publications is available from the USGS Publications Warehouse.
Answer: True
The USGS Publications Warehouse serves as a centralized resource where a complete catalog of all USGS publications is readily available to the public.
Which section of the Hydrologic Instrumentation Facility (HIF) is responsible for computer support and the Drafting Unit?
Answer: Information Technology Section
The Information Technology Section within the Hydrologic Instrumentation Facility (HIF) is responsible for computer support and the Drafting Unit.
What is a national responsibility of the Hydrologic Instrumentation Facility (HIF)?
Answer: Designing, testing, and distributing hydrologic instrumentation.
A national responsibility of the Hydrologic Instrumentation Facility (HIF) is the design, testing, evaluation, repair, calibration, warehousing, and distribution of hydrologic instrumentation.
What is a key responsibility of the Engineering Group within the HIF?
Answer: Identifying new technologies and designing instrumentation for efficiency and accuracy.
A key responsibility of the Engineering Group within the HIF is to identify new technologies and design instrumentation that offers greater efficiency, accuracy, or lower production costs.
How do USGS researchers disseminate the results of their scientific work?
Answer: Through peer-reviewed scientific journals and USGS Report Series.
USGS researchers disseminate their scientific findings through both peer-reviewed scientific journals and various USGS Report Series.
Where can one find a comprehensive catalog of all USGS publications?
Answer: The USGS Publications Warehouse.
A comprehensive catalog of all USGS publications is available from the USGS Publications Warehouse.